Method of chemical soil stabilization and dust control

ABSTRACT

A heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds with carboxylic acids of chemical structure R—COOH and applied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust and erosion control, and soil stabilization. Alternatively, a heterogeneous mixture may be produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds with polyolefins of chemical structure C n H 2n  or R—C 2n H 3n , and applied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust control and soil stabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compounds act as plasticizers and carriers for the carboxylic acids or polyolefin compounds. When applied to soil the carrier provides a mechanism for the carboxylic acid or polyolefin to penetrate the soil and also acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticized carboxylic acid and/or polyolefin provides a durable, reworkable binder that associates small particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/896,456, filed on Jun. 29, 2001, now abandoned which is acontinuation-in-pan application of U.S. patent Ser. No. 09/606,497,filed Jun. 29, 2000, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to a method of soil stabilization and dustcontrol utilizing aliphatic and cyclic organic compounds, specificallyblends of resin acids, fatty acids and their esters with solvents thatact as plasticizers and carriers.

2. Background of Invention

Many methods of chemical dust and erosion control, and soilstabilization have been utilized over the years, with variousdetrimental effects on environment, health, and safety and varyingdegrees of success. Traditional products used for dust control and soilstabilization consist of used or recycled oil, virgin oils, chlorides,lignins, and emulsifications made with low-grade petroleum resins,asphalt, oil, and pitch.

The use of used or recycled petroleum oils has long been employed as adust control agent. In recent years legislation by most states hascurtailed the use of these oils for dust control because of concernswith environment, health, and safety. This legislation has spawned aninterest in virgin oils, some highly refined and very safe. The highlyrefined products may contain low or no aromatics but are generally costprohibitive for most applications. In addition, petroleum oils havelimited value as dust suppressants and virtually no value as soilstabilizers. They act as particle weighting agents by the processes ofadsorption or absorption and do not have any significant cohesive actionfor soil stabilization and control of fine dust.

Magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride used insolution or solid form act as humectants when added to soil. Theseproducts work well in areas of sufficient moisture or require wateringfor humectants action. The problems with these products are theirsolubility in water and effects on ground water and plant life. Inaddition, as strong electrolytes they are highly corrosive to metalequipment.

Lignins have been employed as a low-cost means of dust control forseveral decades. Recently lignins have come under considerable attack byenvironmental, health, and safety organizations that have identifieddioxin and dioxin forming compounds in lignin. This problem iscompounded by lignins solubility in water and it's ability tocontaminate ground water. Lignins also have a limited working lifebecause they are water soluble they tend to be washed away with rain,melting snow, or other moisture.

Many types of emulsions of tall oil, petroleum resins, and asphalts andcombinations can be prepared and have been exhibited in prior art.Typically these products are emulsified to reduce viscosity to sprayablelevels and to aid in penetration of the product into the soil. One ofthe problems created is the use of excess liquid, which is sprayed ontothe ground and can migrate into ground water. In addition, emulsions canalso be severely damaged by rain and moisture when the moisture eventoccurs prior to the emulsion breaking and the active ingredients curing.When cured properly these products produce a bound soil layer, which iseffective for dust control for short periods and under conditions wherethere is little mechanical disturbance. Examples of tall oil pitchemulsions that produce these results can be found in prior art. DoyleU.S. Pat. No. 5,895,347 discloses chemically stabilized emulsions oftall oil pitch, hydrochloric and stearic acids, and emulsifiers in waterwhere temperature and pH are controlled during preparation.Additionally, Burch U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,425 discloses an emulsioncomprising tall oil pitch, rosin, emulsifier, and water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of our invention aresuperior dust control and soil stabilization in areas of intense use.Improved air and water quality through reduction of airborneparticulates and soil erosion are achieved with use of our chemicalagents formulated from safe aliphatic and cyclic organic compounds.

In addition, our invention has several benefits over traditionalchemical dust and erosion control, and soil stabilization agents, it canbe applied neat or undiluted eliminating the chances of collateralrunoff, it remains active over long periods of time requiring fewermaintenance applications, is insoluble in water resisting rain andinclement weather contains no electrolytes thus inhibits corrosion.

A heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organiccompounds with carboxylic acids of chemical structure R—COOH and appliedto soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust control and soilstabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compounds act as plasticizersand carriers for the carboxylic acids. When applied to soil the carrierprovides a mechanism for the carboxylic acid to penetrate the soil andalso acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticizedcarboxylic acid provides a durable, reworkable binder that associatessmall particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate. The chemicalagent is manufactured and applied using conventional mixing and appliedusing conventional construction equipment. A test performed at acontinuous caster area in a steel mill produced 176% improvement in soilstiffness and modulus as well demonstrable improvements in dust control.Untreated test locations are shown in FIG. 1, untreated (7.3 MN/m) (01),untreated (10.8 MN/m) (02), untreated (9.9 MN/m) (03), untreated (7.6MN/m) (04). Treated test locations are shown in FIG. 1, treated (17.4MN/m) (05), treated (21.1 MN/m) (06), treated (18.4 MN/m) (07), treated(31.2 MN/m) (08), treated (37.2 MN/m) (09), and treated (22.2 MN/m)(10).

The present invention also encompasses a heterogeneous mixture producedby blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds with polyolefins ofchemical structure C_(n)H_(2n) or R—C_(2n)H_(3n), and applied to soilsin a manner to produce high levels of dust control and soilstabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compounds act as plasticizersand carriers for the polyolefin to penetrate the soil and also acts as adust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticized polyolefin provides adurable, reworkable binder that associates small particulates whilestabilizing soil and aggregate. The chemical agent is manufactured andapplied using conventional mixing and applied using conventionalconstruction equipment. A laboratory test performed on compacted gravelproduced 117% improvement in soil stiffness and modulus as well asdemonstrable improvements in dust control.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best modein which applicant contemplated applying the principles of theinvention, is set forth in the following description and is shown in thedrawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth inthe appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a test plot from an application of a preferredembodiment of the present invention to stabilize soil and control dustat a steel mill;

FIG. 2 is a particle size distribution curve from a test conductedaccording to a preferred method of this invention; and

FIG. 3 is a particle size distribution curve from a test conductedaccording to an alternate preferred method of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Description of First Embodiment

The invention described herein consists of aliphatic and cyclic organiccompounds utilized as plasticizers and carriers that are blended withmaterials composed primarily of carboxylic acids and applied in a mannerto produce improved levels of dust and erosion control, and soilstabilization.

A novel and unexpected result occurs when carboxylic acids are blendedwith aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers. These blendsare processed into either heterogeneous mixtures or emulsions thatapplied to soil, aggregate, or mineral provide high levels of longlasting dust control and stabilization. The invention exhibitstremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life, while beingnoncorrosive and nonhazardous.

Aliphatic organic compounds refers to saturated and unsaturatedhydrocarbons derived from petroleum, coal, or synthetic manufacturingincluding paraffins or alkanes, olefins, alkenes, and alkadienes.Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, andcarbohydrates. The invention is comprised 0–95% by weight of thesecompounds.

Cyclic organic compounds refer to alicyclic hydrocarbons,cycloparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloacetylenes, aromatic hydrocarbons,heterocyclics, and any combinations of aliphatic and cyclic structuressuch as terpenes, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. The inventionis comprised 0–95% by weight of these compounds.

Carboxylic acid refers to any substance whose major constituents aresaturated or unsaturated fatty acids and their esters derived fromanimal or vegetable fat or oil; and vegetable derived resins or rosinacids, all represented chemically R—COOH. The invention is comprised5–70% by weight of these substances.

Plasticizer refers to organic compounds added to carboxylic acids tofacilitate processing and increase the flexibility and durability of thefinal product.

Carrier refers to any organic compounds in which carboxylic acids aremiscible in and serve as a vehicle to aid in the dispersion andpenetration of plasticized carboxylic acids into the soil.

Heterogeneous mixtures refer to mixtures or solutions comprised of twoor more substances, whether or not they are uniformly dispersed.

Emulsions refer to mixtures of two or more immiscible liquids held insuspension by small percentages of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers can beprotein or carbohydrate polymers or long-chained alcohols and fattyacids. The emulsions can either be oil-in-water or water-in-oilcontinuous phase mixtures.

Operation of First Embodiment

The invention is manufactured using conventional manufacturingequipment. Conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or colloid mills areutilized to blend these components into stable heterogeneous mixers oremulsions.

Application of the chemical agent to the soil is also accomplished bythe use of conventional spray equipment. The agent is gravity fed orpumped through hoses, spray nozzles, or fixed sprayers and evenlyapplied to the soil or material to be treated. Motor-graders, asphaltgrinders, mixers, pug mills, compactors, rollers, and other conventionalconstruction equipment may be utilized to blend, set grade, and compactstabilized base if desired.

Once applied the liquid penetrates into the soil where two mechanismsfor dust control and stabilization contribute to the effect. The firstis a particle weighting and loading mechanism achieved through theprocesses of adsorption, adherence of molecules to the surface ofparticles and absorption, penetration of the substance into the innerstructure of the particles.

The second mechanism is produced by the plasticized higher polymericcarboxylic acids which act as binders. The fatty acids and resins bindparticles into a tightly cohesive base when subjected to compactiveforces. The plasticized fatty acids and resins remain active eventhrough severe wet weather and mechanical disturbances from heavytracked vehicles and steel-chained tires. Our invention displays aunique and unexpected ability to be recompacted into a tightly cohesivebase when disturbed, dramatically extending the working life of thechemical agents.

Examples of First Embodiment EXAMPLE 1

This example discloses a formulation for producing a heterogeneousmixture depicted in our invention.

Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer Weight % 1. Severely hydrotreated 50Neutral HT Petro-Canada 39%  paraffinic hydrocarbons 2. Syntheticiso-alkanes DSF-65 Petro-Canada 33% 3. Mixture of long chain TallexWestvaco 28%  and tricyclic organic Chemical  acids and esters of sterols and fatty acids

The Tallex material is maintained at 45–135 degrees centigrade andblended into the remaining materials using conventional blendingequipment or agitation.

EXAMPLE 2

This example discloses a formulation for producing an emulsion,

Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer Weight % 1. Severely hydrotreated 50Neutral HT Petro-Canada 16%  paraffinic hydrocarbons 2. Syntheticiso-alkanes DSF-65 Petro-Canada 13% 3. Mixture of long chain TallexWestvaco 11%  and tricyclic organic Chemical  acids and esters of sterols and fatty acids 4. Water 48% 5. lignosulfonate Indulin SALWestvaco 10% Chemical 6. polyoxypropylene Pluronic F68 BASF  2%

The Tallex material is maintained at 45–135 degrees centigrade andblended into the remaining materials using conventional high shearmixers, mixer/emulsifiers, colloid mill, or other suitable mixingequipment.

Test of First Embodiment

A 5,000 square meter test plot was prepared to test the effectiveness ofthe invention as a dust control agent and soil stabilizer. A severe testin an intensely utilized area was required. A slag reclamation area inthe continuous caster process of a large Cleveland, Ohio steel mill waschosen for the test. The plot selected operates 24 hours/day, 5–7days/week and averages over 100 vehicle passes per day with the majorityof vehicles large pot haulers, front-end loaders with steel-chainedtires, and tractor-trailers.

Various treatments had been utilized in this area in the past includingwatering, chlorides, and asphalt emulsions with limited success.Applications of these chemical agents were typically 1–2 times daily fordust control. Historical applications rates for 60% solids asphaltemulsions ranged between 0.15–0.40 liters/square meter daily.

Initial observations of the surface prior to testing revealed a slagcovered road comprised of material resembling moon dust. A particle sizeanalysis performed on the material per ASTM C136 indicated the materialconsisted of 25% silt and clay, 62% sand, and 13% gravel. Graph 1 belowshows the particle size distribution curve for the material tested.

The test plot was treated with the material disclosed in Example 1 overa six-week period. Three applications over the six week period were madeusing a conventional spray truck with a computerized spray output at anapplication rate of 0.39 liters/square meter each application.

Examination of the area indicated our invention provided a higher levelof dust control using less than 25% of the volume of active productpreviously required. In addition to visual observations, soil stiffnessand modulus readings were made using a Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc.Stiffness and Modulus Instrument (SAMITRON). The SAMITRON measuresin-situ soil stiffness by measuring the stress imparted to the surfaceand the resulting surface velocity as a function of time. If a Poisson'sratio is assumed and knowing the SAMITRON's physical dimensions, shearand Young's Modulus can be expressed:

${{{Young}'}s\mspace{14mu}{Modulus}\mspace{14mu}(E)} = \frac{({Stiffness})\left( {1 - {{{Poisson}'}s\mspace{14mu}{Ratio}^{2}}} \right)}{0.1011555}$where  Poisson′s  Ratio = 0.35

Six measurements were made at treated locations within the test plotwith four untreated measurements made just outside the test plot toprovide control data. The untreated locations outside the test plot wereselected in the same general vehicle path to assume equivalent trafficconditions. The average of three readings was reported from each sitewith a 176% increase in stiffness and modulus when compared to theuntreated locations. The averaged data with locations and drawingreferences are listed below:

DRAWING REFERENCE STIFFNESS (MN/m) MODULUS (Mpa) Untreated 01 7.3 63.7Untreated 02 10.8 93.6 Untreated 03 9.9 86.0 Untreated 04 7.6 65.7Treated 05 17.4 151.1 Treated 06 21.1 182.9 Treated 07 18.4 159.3Treated 08 31.2 270.4 Treated 09 37.2 323.1 Treated 10 22.2 192.8

Description of Second Embodiment

The invention described herein consists of aliphatic and cyclic organiccompounds utilized as plasticizers and carriers that are blended withmaterials composed primarily of thermoplastic polyolefin compounds andapplied in a manner to produce improved levels of dust and erosioncontrol, and soil stabilization.

A novel and unexpected result occurs when polyolefin compounds areblended with aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers.These blends are processed into either heterogeneous mixtures oremulsions that applied to soil, aggregate, or mineral provide highlevels of long lasting dust control and stabilization. The inventionexhibits tremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life,while being noncorrosive and nonhazardous.

Aliphatic organic compounds refers to saturated and unsaturatedhydrocarbons derived from petroleum, coal, or synthetic manufacturingincluding paraffins or alkanes, olefins, alkenes, and alkadienes.Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, andcarbohydrates. The invention is comprised 0–95% by weight of thesecompounds.

Cyclic organic compounds refer to alicyclic hydrocarbons,cycloparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloacetylenes, aromatic hydrocarbons,heterocyclics, and any combinations of aliphatic and cyclic structuressuch as terpenes, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. The inventionis comprised 0–95% by weight of these compounds.

Thermoplastic polyolefin compound refers to any substance derived fromolefins with chemical structure C_(n)H_(2n) or R—C_(2n)H_(3n), includingpolyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisobutylenes,polyisoprene, and their copolymers. The invention is comprised of 2–90%by weight of these substances.

Plasticizer refers to organic compounds added to polyolefin compounds tofacilitate processing and increase the flexibility and durability of thefinal product.

Carrier refers to any organic compounds in which polyolefin compoundsare miscible in and serve as a vehicle to aid in the dispersion andpenetration of plasticized polyolefin into the soil.

Heterogeneous mixtures refer to mixtures or solutions comprised of twoor more substances, whether or not they are uniformly dispersed.

Emulsions refer to mixtures of two or more immiscible liquids held insuspension by small percentages of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers can beprotein or carbohydrate polymers or long-chained alcohols and fattyacids. The emulsions can either be oil-in-water or water-in-oilcontinuous phase mixtures.

Operation of the Second Embodiment

The invention is manufactured using conventional manufacturingequipment. Conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or colloid mills areutilized to blend these components into stable heterogeneous mixers oremulsions.

Application of the chemical agent to the soil is also accomplished bythe use of conventional spray equipment. The agent is gravity fed orpumped through hoses, spray nozzles, or fixed sprayers and evenlyapplied to the soil or material to be treated. Motor-graders, asphaltgrinders, mixers, pug mills, compactors, rollers, and other conventionalconstruction equipment may be utilized to blend, set grade, and compactstabilized base if desired.

Once applied, the liquid penetrates into the soil where two mechanismsfor dust control and stabilization contribute to the effect. The firstis a particle weighting and loading mechanism achieved through theprocesses of absorption, adherence of molecules to the surface ofparticles and absorption, penetration of the substance into the innerstructure of the particles.

The second mechanism is produced by the plasticized higher polymericpolyolefin compounds which act as binders. The thermoplastic polyolefincompounds bind particles into a tightly cohesive base when subjected tocompactive forces. The plasticized polyolefin compounds remain activeeven through severe wet weather and mechanical disturbances from heavytracked vehicles and steel-chained tires. Our invention displays aunique and unexpected ability to be recompacted into a tightly cohesivebase when disturbed, dramatically extending the working life of thechemical agents.

EXAMPLE 3

This example discloses a formulation for producing a heterogeneousmixture as disclosed in our invention.

Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer Weight % 1. Synthetic iso-alkanesDSF-65 Petro-Canada 67% 2. Polyisobutylene TPC 195 Texas Petro- 33%Chemical

The TPC 195 material is maintained at 45–135 degrees centigrade andblended into the remaining materials using conventional blendingequipment or agitation.

EXAMPLE 4

This example discloses a formulation for producing an emulsion.

Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer Weight % 1. Synthetic iso-alkanesDSF-65 Petro-Canada 15% 2. Polyolefin TPC 195 Texas Petro- 15% Chemical3. Water 58% 4. Low hydrophile- NP 1.5 Chemax  5%  lipophile balance surfactant 5. High hydrophile- Neodal R-91-8 Tomah  7%  lipophilebalance  surfactant

The TPC 195 material is maintained at 45–135 degrees centigrade andblended into the remaining materials using conventional high shearmixers, mixer/emulsifiers, colloid mill, or other suitable mixingequipment.

Test of Second Embodiment

Molded samples were constructed using standard CBR (California BearingRatio) molds using gravel taken from an aircraft runway from theNorthwest Territories in Canada. Three control samples were made andcompacted without the use of a stabilizing agent and tested.Alternatively, three samples were prepared using the material preparedas specified in Example 1 above.

A particle size analysis performed on the material per ASTM C136indicated the material consisted of 3% silt and clay, 29% sand, and 68%gravel. FIG. 3 shows the particle size distribution curve for thematerial tested.

The control samples test mold were prepared by compacting 10 kilogramsof gravel into the standard 15.24 centimeter diameter CBR molds using anautomatic compactor in three lifts and 56 blows per lift. The treatedsamples were constructed in the same manor with the addition of 100cubic centimeters of soil stabilizer prepared as described in Example 1.

Soil stiffness and modulus readings were made using a Midwest IndustrialSupply, Inc. Stiffness and Modulus Instrument (SAMITRON). The SAMITRONmeasures in-situ soil stiffness by measuring the stress imparted to thesurface and the resulting surface velocity as a function of time. If aPoisson's ratio is assumed and knowing the SAMITRON's physicaldimensions, shear and Young's Modulus can be expressed:

${{{Young}'}s\mspace{14mu}{Modulus}\mspace{14mu}(E)} = \frac{({Stiffness})\left( {1 - {{{Poisson}'}s\mspace{14mu}{Ratio}^{2}}} \right)}{0.1011555}$where  Poisson′s  Ratio = 0.35

An average was taken from three measurements made on each sample. Theaverage of three readings was reported from each sample with a 117%increase in stiffness and modulus when compared to the untreatedlocations. The averaged data is listed below:

DRAWING REFERENCE STIFFNESS (MN/m) MODULUS (Mpa) Untreated 01 5.6 48.6Untreated 02 6.1 52.9 Untreated 03 5.8 50.3 Treated 04 12.7 110.2Treated 05 12.6 109.3 Treated 06 12.7 110.2

Accordingly, it can be seen that we have provided a unique and effectivemeans of dust control and stabilization using a chemical agent thatprovided unexpected results when tested.

Although the description above contains much specificity, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications arepossible within it's scope. For example, several different types ofsubstances rich in polyolefins are available as drop-in replacements tothose tested, as well as numerous a aliphatic and cyclic organiccompounds. The invention given as a method of soil stabilization anddust control also has related applications as a soil remediation agent,recycled asphalt stabilizer, and asphalt rejuvenator, and coal based orother synthetic fuel additives.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

1. A method for providing at least one of stabilization and dust controlto a particulate surface soil, the method comprising: applying to andallowing to penetrate the surface soil a composition consistingessentially of: (a) a binder consisting essentially of a carboxylicacid, an ester, or a thermoplastic polyolefin; and, (b) a syntheticisoalkane.
 2. The method of claim 1, where the composition is devoid ofelectrolytes.
 3. The method of claim 1, where said composition isapplied neat to the surface soil.
 4. The method of claim 1, where thebinder is a thermoplastic polyolefin.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherethe composition comprises from 2 to 90% by weight of the thermoplasticpolyolefin.
 6. The method of claim 1, where the binder is a carboxylicacid.
 7. The method of claim 6, where the carboxylic acid is a fattyacid.
 8. The method of claim 6, where the composition comprises from 5to 70% by weight of the carboxylic acid.
 9. A method for providing atleast one of stabilization and dust control to a particulate surfacesoil, the method comprising the step of: applying to and allowing topenetrate the surface soil a composition consisting essentially of: (a)a binder consisting essentially of a carboxylic acid, an ester, or athermoplastic polyolefin; (b) a synthetic isoalkane; and, (c) anemulsifier.
 10. A process for at least one of reducing erosion andcontrolling dust in surface soil, the process comprising: (a) applyingto said surface soil a composition comprising two organic materials andallowing the composition to penetrate and weight discrete portions ofthe surface soil, where the composition consists essentially of (a) abinder consisting essentially of a carboxylic acid, an ester, or athermoplastic polyolefin and (b) a plasticizer consisting essentially ofa synthetic isoalkane; and allowing at least one material in thecomposition to form a binder in which portions of the surface soil areassociated, so as to provide a treated surface soil.
 11. The process ofclaim 10, where said surface soil comprises at least one of dirt, slag,sand, gravel, mineral, and aggregate.
 12. The process of claim 10, wheresaid weighting is achieved by at least one of adsorption and absorptionof said blend to said discrete portions of said surface soil.
 13. Theprocess of claim 10, where said surface soil exhibits at least a 100%increase in stiffness and Young's modulus after being treated.
 14. Theprocess of claim 10, where the composition comprises 2 to 90% by weightof the polyolefin.
 15. A process for at least one of reducing erosionand controlling dust in surface soil, the process comprising: (a)applying to said surface soil a composition and allowing the compositionto penetrate and weight discrete portions of the surface soil, where thecomposition consists essentially of (a) a binder consisting essentiallyof a carboxylic acid, an ester, or a thermoplastic polyolefin (b) aplasticizer consisting essentially of a synthetic isoalkane and (c) along chain carboxylic acid or ester; and, (b) allowing at least onematerial in the composition to form a binder in which portions of thesurface soil are associated, so as to provide a treated surface soil.16. The process of claim 15, where the composition comprises from 5 to70% by weight of the carboxylic acid or ester.